1. Beynac-et-Cazenac
This village in the Dordogne department is listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages. With its typical houses, blond stone facades, lauze roofs and 12th-century castle overlooking the cliffs… This medieval city with its unique character is unrivalled.
🚗 Bordeaux – Beynac-et-Cazenac : 2h20
2. Brantôme
Still in the Dordogne, here’s what’s known as “The Venice of Périgord“. Far from being a ghost town, Brantôme is brimming with places of cultural interest: the Bertin bridge, the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre, France’s oldest bell tower. .. Crossed by the Dronne river, it also offers an exceptional natural setting.
🚗 Bordeaux – Brantôme : 1h50
3. Collonges-la-Rouge
A real architectural gem, I’d even go so far as to say: a ruby! As its name suggests, this little town in the Corrèze region of France is all in red. The village owes its name to the sandstone quarried from the Puy de Valège, which rises to 450 meters. Medieval streets, castles and fortified towers… It’s sure to delight history buffs!
🚗 Bordeaux – Collonges-la-Rouge : 2h20
4. Domme
From the Périgord Vert (Brantôme) to the Périgord Noir (Domme). This ancient medieval bastide overlooks the Dordogne valley, offering breathtaking views of the Château de Monfort, the village of La Roque-Gageac and the Château de Beynac (1st in this top).
🚗 Bordeaux – Domme : 2 hours 30 minutes
5. La Roque-Gageac
Ranked as one of France’s most beautiful villages, it is also the country’s third most visited site, just behind Mont-Saint-Michel. In the Dordogne, this bucolic town on a south-facing cliff has plenty to offer. Romanesque church, exotic garden… A change of scenery guaranteed!
🚗 Bordeaux – La Roque-Gageac : 2 hours 30 minutes
Read more on Bordeaux Secret: Top 5 walks and hikes around Bordeaux!